If you drive west from Minneapolis toward Independence, the landscape starts to flatten out into that classic, rolling Midwest prairie. It’s quiet. Then, you see it. No flashy gates, no gold-leaf signs, just a subtle entrance that leads to some of the most punishing and beautiful turf in the United States. Windsong Farm Golf Club isn’t your typical suburban country club where people go to eat overpriced shrimp cocktails and talk about real estate. Honestly, it’s a bit of a purist’s fever dream.
Most people hear "private club in Minnesota" and think of the historic prestige of Interlachen or the massive tournament history of Hazeltine. Windsong is different. It’s younger, fiercer, and deeply obsessed with the actual game of golf. Founded in 2003 by David Meyer and then-partner Khalid Al-Mansour, the place was built on the bones of an actual working horse farm. You can still feel that. It’s wide open. It’s exposed. And when the Minnesota wind starts whipping across those 248 acres, you’ll realize very quickly why they named it what they did.
The Design Philosophy Behind Windsong Golf Course MN
Let’s talk about the dirt. The original course was a collaboration between the legendary Fuzzy Zoeller and architect John Fought. When it first opened, it caught people off guard. It didn’t look like the tree-lined "parkland" courses that dominate the Twin Cities. Instead, it felt like a modern nod to the great traditional links, though it's technically more of a prairie-style layout.
In 2015, they brought John Fought back to do some serious surgical work. This wasn't just a "mow the grass shorter" kind of renovation. They overhauled the bunkers and changed the greens to A4 bentgrass. Why does that matter to you? Because A4 bentgrass is essentially like putting on a pool table. It is incredibly fast, dense, and unforgiving. If your approach shot is lacking even a tiny bit of spin, goodbye. Your ball is off the back and down into a collection area that will make you want to snap your lob wedge in half.
The course is long. Like, really long. From the "Longhorn" tees, it stretches out over 7,500 yards. For the average golfer, that’s not just a challenge; it’s a marathon. But the beauty is in the width. The fairways are generous, which is a bit of a psychological trick. You feel like you can just rip your driver everywhere, but the angles matter more than the distance. If you’re on the wrong side of the fairway, you’re dead. You’ll have a blind shot over a bunker or a terrifying angle into a green that slopes away from you.
That Iconic Red Barn
You can't mention Windsong without talking about the barn. It’s the centerpiece. While most clubs spent millions on Mediterranean-style clubhouses that look like they belong in Tuscany, Windsong leaned into its roots. They kept the original 19th-century horse barn and converted it. It’s rustic. It’s cool. It’s where you sit and realize that you just shot a 94 despite playing "pretty well."
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The vibe inside is surprisingly low-key. There’s a distinct lack of pretension that you find at some of the older, "old money" clubs in Wayzata. At Windsong, the members are there because they love the grind. It’s a walking-heavy culture. It’s a "caddie on the bag" kind of place.
Why the Pros Keep Showing Up
There’s a reason the University of Minnesota golf teams call this home. There’s a reason you’ll see PGA Tour pros practicing here when they’re in town. It’s the sheer difficulty of the North Course.
Wait, did I mention there are two courses now?
For years, it was just "Windsong." But the club expanded, adding the South Course (often referred to as the Players Course), which opened recently. While the North Course is the big, brawny championship test, the South Course offers a slightly different flavor. It’s still tough—don’t get it twisted—but it plays with different elevations and a slightly more "modern" architectural feel.
- North Course: The classic. High fescue, deep bunkers, massive greens.
- South Course: Creative, shorter but tighter in spots, requires more shot-shaping.
- The Practice Facility: Arguably the best in the state. We’re talking about massive grass tees, short game areas that actually mimic the course conditions, and a dedicated indoor hitting bay for those brutal Minnesota winters.
The Myth of the "Easy" Birdie
People see the par-5s at Windsong and think they’re scoring opportunities. They aren't. Not really. Most of them are guarded by "cross-bunkers"—those annoying sand traps that sit right in the middle of where you want your second shot to land. You have to make a choice. Do you fly it? Do you lay back? If you try to hero-ball it and fail, the fescue will swallow your Titleist and never give it back.
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I’ve heard people complain that the course is "too hard." That’s a common critique from golfers who are used to soft, slow greens and flat lies. But that’s sort of the point of Windsong golf course MN. It isn't trying to be your friend. It’s trying to find out if you actually know how to control your ball flight.
Navigating the Membership and Access
Here is the part where we have to be real: Getting on is tough. This is a private, member-owned club. You aren't going to find a tee time on GolfNow.
Membership is by invitation, and they are protective of the culture. They want "players." That doesn't mean you have to be a scratch golfer, but it means you have to respect the pace of play and the traditions of the game. If you’re looking for a place to play music out of a Bluetooth speaker while wearing a hoodie, you might want to look elsewhere. (Actually, hoodies are becoming more common in golf, but you get the point.)
If you don't know a member, your best bet is a charity tournament. Windsong hosts several high-profile events throughout the year, including the MGA Amateur Championship and various USGA qualifiers. If you can snag a spot in a corporate outing or a regional qualifier, take it. Even if you get your butt kicked by the course, seeing the sunset over the 18th hole with the red barn in the background is a core memory for any golfer.
The Environmental Factor
One thing experts often overlook is how the club manages the land. They’ve done a massive amount of work restoring the native prairie grasses. This isn't just for looks. It creates a massive bio-diversity corridor in Hennepin County. It also means that if you hit your ball six feet off the fairway, you’re basically in a wildlife preserve.
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The maintenance staff, led by some of the best in the business, keeps the turf lean and mean. They don't over-water. They want the course to play "firm and fast." This is a huge distinction. In the US, we’re used to "green and soft." Windsong wants the ball to roll. They want you to have to account for the 20 yards of bounce after your 5-iron hits the green.
Specific Strategies for Survival
If you do manage to get a guest invite, don't go out there trying to break the course record. You won't. Here is how you actually survive a round at Windsong:
- Check the wind before you even leave your house. If it’s blowing 20mph from the north, the back nine is going to feel like a different continent.
- Leave the driver in the bag on short par-4s. The bunkers are positioned specifically to catch "brave" drives that are slightly off-line.
- Aim for the middle of the greens. Seriously. The pin positions at Windsong can be devious. Being 30 feet away on the green is infinitely better than being 5 feet away in a deep pot bunker.
- Trust your caddie. If they tell you a putt breaks two cups to the left even though it looks flat, listen to them. The land here is deceptive.
- Eat the burger. The food in the barn is legitimately fantastic.
The Reality of the "Windsong Experience"
Is it the best course in Minnesota? That’s subjective. If you like history and old-growth oaks, you’ll prefer Minikahda or White Bear Yacht Club. But if you want a pure, modern, competitive test of golf—the kind that makes your hands sweat on the first tee—Windsong is arguably top of the list.
It’s a place that respects the silence of the game. There are no homes lining the fairways. No traffic noise. Just you, the wind, and a very difficult par-4. It’s a reminder of what golf was supposed to be before it became a backdrop for real estate developments.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Guest
- Network locally: The Twin Cities golf community is smaller than you think. Many members are active in the MGA (Minnesota Golf Association).
- Volunteer: High-end clubs often need volunteers for USGA qualifying events. It’s a great way to see the facility and meet the staff.
- Check the MGA Calendar: Look for "Member/Guest" opportunities or regional tournaments hosted at the site.
- Practice your lag putting: Before you go, spend an hour hitting 40-foot putts. You will have plenty of them.
- Dress the part: Traditional golf attire is a must. Tucked-in shirts, no cargo shorts, and a respectful attitude go a long way.
Windsong isn't just a golf course; it’s a specific statement about how the game should be played in the 21st century. It’s tough, it’s beautiful, and it’s unapologetically focused on the sport. Whether you love it or leave it frustrated, you won't forget it.